Andhra Pradesh government to restore 34% Backward Classes quota

Andhra Pradesh BC Welfare Minister S. Savitha has reaffirmed the commitment of the Telugu Desam-led coalition government to restoring a 34 per cent reservation quota for Backward Classes (BCs) in local bodies.

During a coordination meeting in Vijayawada, Savitha announced that the government is finalizing a BC Protection Act designed to withstand legal scrutiny. The proposed legislation aims to provide stringent punishments for social boycotts and insults directed at BC communities based on caste or occupation. To support this, special courts will be established in districts, with provisions intended to ensure investigations are completed within two months.

The Minister noted that the government has consulted with various legislative members and representatives from 156 BC communities. She criticized the previous YSRC administration for reducing the local body quota from 34 per cent to 24 per cent in 2019, stating this caused political damage to the community.